Opgive

Opgive is a Danish verb meaning to give up, abandon, renounce, or concede. It can refer to abandoning an effort, a plan or belief, or to surrendering in a competition. The related noun opgivelse denotes the act of giving up or renunciation. The term conveys a shift away from a previously pursued course, often implying a decision after consideration or pressure.

Etymology and usage notes: Opgive derives from the prefix op- combined with give (to give), conveying a sense of turning away from something previously undertaken. In practice, it appears with concrete objects such as håb (hope), et projekt (a project), en plan (a plan), or en kamp (a match). For example, “Hun besluttede at opgive håbet” and “Han opgav projektet.” In everyday Danish, the action is frequently expressed as the separable verb give op in finite forms, e.g., “jeg giver op,” “du gav op,” or “han har givet op.” In sports or competition, opgive typically means to concede or forfeit the game.

Related terms and nuances: Opgive is broader than capitulate, with nuances ranging from a temporary pause to a definitive surrender. Synonyms include kapitulere (to capitulate) and give up in a general sense, while opgivelse as a noun emphasizes the act or stance of giving up.

See also: kapitulere, give op, opgivelse.